Spin configurations in Co2FeAl0.4Si0.6 Heusler alloy thin film elements

TL;DR

This study experimentally investigates the spin configurations in Co2FeAl0.4Si0.6 Heusler alloy thin films, revealing the stability of magnetic states and how geometry influences domain wall transitions at high temperatures.

Contribution

It provides new experimental insights into the magnetic states and thermal stability of spin configurations in Heusler alloy thin films, emphasizing the effects of geometry and anisotropy.

Findings

Magnetic states are predominantly quasi-uniform after saturation.

Domain wall configurations remain stable up to 800 K.

Transition temperature from transverse to vortex walls increases with ring width.

Abstract

We determine experimentally the spin structure of half-metallic Co2FeAl0.4Si0.6 Heusler alloy elements using magnetic microscopy. Following magnetic saturation, the dominant magnetic states consist of quasi-uniform configurations, where a strong influence from the magnetocrystalline anisotropy is visible. Heating experiments show the stability of the spin configuration of domain walls in confined geometries up to 800 K. The switching temperature for the transition from transverse to vortex walls in ring elements is found to increase with ring width, an effect attributed to structural changes and consequent changes in magnetic anisotropy, which start to occur in the narrower elements at lower temperatures.